Communications Operator - (Certified)

Experienced Dispatcher

This listing closes on 10 / 24 / 2025 at 11 : 59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).

City of Suffolk

$51,939.00 - $81,700.00 Annually

Suffolk, VA

Full Time

Job Number : 04150

Department : Police

• SIGNING BONUS
• $4,000 to each experienced dispatcher upon successful completion of the following :

Initial emergency communications training with verification of previously completed basic dispatch academy. Certification in emergency medical dispatch. Experience in independent operation of all aspects of public safety dispatching.

Under direct supervision, performs radio and communications work in the Suffolk Police Department's Emergency Communications Center on an assigned 12-hour shift. Answers Emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for service. Dispatches appropriate emergency personnel (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, Public Works, Virginia Highway Department, etc.) and equipment to public safety situations. Employee must exercise considerable tact and firmness in obtaining information from distressed persons. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in receiving messages, responding to emergency situations, and dispatching calls. Reports to the Communications Lead Operator (Supervisor). To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. The Suffolk Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Job Functions :

Operates multi-line telephone system and telecommunication device for the deaf and hearing impaired (TDD) to receive, answer, screen, and process incoming calls for service.

Responds calmly and tactfully to callers on Emergency 911 and non-emergency lines to obtain complete and accurate information for entry into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Prioritizes calls for appropriate response.

Operates radio console to dispatch Police, Fire, EMS, and Animal Control to calls for service. Monitors the status and location of field units. Relays messages and information to emergency response personnel using appropriate radio terminology, while adhering to the applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. Records transmitted information into CAD, as appropriate.

Notifies other agencies needed to assist Police, Fire and EMS in emergencies.

Utilizes Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) cards or software to ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions as needed.

Operates a computer terminal connected with the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center to obtain such information as driver's history, vehicle registration data, criminal record information, stolen property information, etc., as necessary.

Monitors security alarms for businesses, court, schools, etc.

Facilitates language interpretation between non-English speaking callers and interpreters to provide assistance needed.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to speak clearly and precisely over the telephone and radio.

Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with employees, supervisors, and representatives from other departments and organizations.

Performs various clerical duties, as necessary.

Required Qualifications :

For Certified Communications Operators : Salary determination based on 50% credit for years of dispatch experience. Graduation from high school or GED and Basic Dispatcher State certification; current or previous certification in VCIN / NCIC; proof of Emergency Medical Dispatch Training completion, current CPR certification required, at least two years of experience in public safety dispatching, and at least two of the following certifications preferred :

or other skills deemed appropriate by the Chief of Police or their designee as an acceptable substitution for a certification (Certifications must be attached to application for Criticall exemption consideration.) Salary Starting from : $51,687 Disqualifications : Automatic Disqualifying Factors for Sworn & Non-Sworn Applicants The following list includes all items for which an application for a sworn and non-sworn position will be automatically disqualified. Criminal History Conviction of any felony Conviction of domestic violence Any conviction regarding the involvement in the sale or distribution of illegal drugs. Conviction of any Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor (or the Virginia State Law equivalent) within the last five years, excluding traffic violations (minor offenses may be looked at on a case-by-case basis) Embezzlement or misappropriation of funds from a former employer Founded child / elder abuse or neglect case Illegal possession of a schedule I or II drug or any derivative thereof within the last five years (excluding marijuana) Illegal use and / or possession of anabolic steroids within the last five years Illegal use of any drug classified as a hallucinogen within the last five years Driving History Four or more negative points on a Virginia Operator's license (or the equivalent for out-of-state residents). Points may be negated by attending defensive driving school offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) prior to the one-on-one interview with the background investigator. Conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol within past five years Eluding police within past five years Leaving the scene of an accident within past two years Multiple convictions of DUI No valid driver's license and / or inability to obtain a Virginia license Refusal to take a blood or breath test related to suspected DUI / DUID within past five years Suspension or revocation of license or conviction of reckless driving within the last twelve months Other Disqualifications Two or more bankruptcies Any "Dishonorable Discharge" or discharge "other than Honorable", from the military resulting from disciplinary action (case by case as determined by disposition code). Cheating on any examination or testing associated with this position Crimes of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing) Ineligibility to possess a firearm in Virginia Intentional omission on the application / background process for this position. Intentional lying on the application / background process for this position Having any visible tattoos, brands, piercings, intentional scarifications (intentional scarifications are those that did not occur accidentally / naturally) other body modifications on the face, head, front half of the neck in front of the ears (50% of the neck behind the ears) Offensive tattoos are prohibited (Full tattoo sleeves ARE allowed)

City of Suffolk is a proud participant of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program and we welcome Veterans to apply.

Must complete a medical, audio, psychological evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse test with satisfactory results. Communications Operators are considered essential (ALPHA) personnel and are required to work during inclement weather, emergency conditions, and based on staffing needs. Dispatchers work 12 hour shifts in the 911 Center that is staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; 365 days per year receiving emergency 911 calls along with non-emergency calls.